What is a bone density test?

A bone density test is an imaging scan that uses a low dose of X-rays to examine the amount of calcium and other minerals in your bones. One of the most common reasons to have a bone density test is to screen for or monitor osteoporosis.

By knowing your bone density, you can take proactive steps to care for your bone health and reduce your risk of fractures as you age. This test goes by many names, including bone densitometry, DXA scan, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan or bone density scan.

Types of DEXA scans:

woman laying on table during a DEXA scan for bone density

Who should have a DEXA bone density scan?

According to the US Preventive Services Task Force, DEXA bone density screenings are recommended starting at age 65 for women at an average risk of osteoporosis. While no screening guidelines exist for men, they may consider talking to their doctors about the screening starting at age 70.

A bone density scan is recommended earlier than 65 for those with factors or signs of osteoporosis that make the condition more likely. These may include:

  • Losing more than 1.5 inches in height
  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Previous bone fractures
  • Certain medications, like steroids or therapies for breast cancer 
  • Rarely, taking specific hormone treatments or removal of the testicles/ovaries
  • Other health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid conditions or liver disease 
  • Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, a low-calcium diet or lack of exercise

Bone density test preparation

Fortunately, there’s not much you need to do to prepare for a bone density test. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns before your scan. Before your bone density scan, our team can answer any questions you have about what to expect during your bone density test. This simple, quick imaging scan is non-invasive, painless and uses a small dose of radiation.

In most cases, your appointment will be completed in less than 30 minutes. Here’s a quick guide on what steps you can take to prepare and what you can expect on the day of your bone density scan.

Before your bone density scan

A bone density test only requires a little preparation on the day of your visit. To get ready for your test:

  • Eat and drink as you normally would.
  • Do not take vitamins, calcium supplements or other mineral supplements during the 24 hours before your test.
  • Wear comfortable clothes without metal, such as zippers, belts, buttons or jewelry.
  • Bring your photo ID and insurance card to your appointment.
  • Ensure at least 3-4 days have passed since you have had any contrast studies.

Interpreting your bone density scan results

After a radiologist reviews your scan, the physician who referred you for a DEXA scan will get a report with the results. This report will include two scores—T and Z scores. If your results show possible bone mass loss, osteoporosis or other concerns, your referring physician will discuss your next steps and what treatment options may be right for you. See below for an explanation of the T score and Z score and how to make sense of the results of your DEXA scan.

Z score

Your Z score compares your bone density to other people of a similar age, race, gender and size.

While it isn’t used to diagnose osteoporosis, your doctor may request more tests if this number is higher or lower than the average range.

This is usually reported only for premenopausal women or women under age 50.





T score

Your care team uses the T score to help diagnose conditions like osteopenia (low bone mass) or osteoporosis. The T score also helps your doctor estimate your risk of fractures. It compares your bone mass with the peak bone mass of a young adult of the same gender.

T score categories:

  • Normal: -1 and above
  • Osteopenia: -1.1 to -2.4
  • Osteoporosis: -2.5 and under

Our women's imaging centers near you

Several of our locations provide bone density scans to care for you, including imaging centers, women’s imaging centers and clinics throughout North and Central Texas.

Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Irving
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Irving

2001 N Macarthur Blvd, Mob 1, Suite 250 , Irving, TX, 75061

Directions
972.990.4270
Baylor Scott & White Darlene G. Cass Women's Imaging Center At Junius
Baylor Scott & White Darlene G. Cass Women's Imaging Center At Junius

3900 Junius St , Dallas, TX, 75246

Directions
214.820.2430
Baylor Scott & White Darlene G. Cass Women's Imaging Center At North Dallas
Baylor Scott & White Darlene G. Cass Women's Imaging Center At North Dallas

9101 N Central Expy , Dallas, TX, 75231

Directions
214.820.2430
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Las Colinas (Macarthur & I-635)
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Las Colinas (Macarthur & I-635)

440 W Lyndon B Johnson Fwy , Irving, TX, 75063

Directions
972.990.5650
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Grapevine
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Grapevine

1631 Lancaster Dr, Suite 130 , Grapevine, TX, 76051

Directions
817.329.2501
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Wylie
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Wylie

2300 Fm 544, Suite 110 , Wylie, TX, 75098

Directions
972.520.9950
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Plano
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - Plano

4716 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093

Directions
469.814.4400
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Forney
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Forney

763 E Us Hwy 80, Suite 120 , Forney, TX, 75126

Directions
972.520.9500
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center Richardson
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center Richardson

1410 E Renner Rd Ste 250 , Richardson, TX, 75082-2227

Directions
214.442.7050
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Rockwall
Baylor Scott & White Imaging Center - Rockwall

1005 W Ralph Hall Parkway, Suite 121 , Rockwall, TX, 75032

Directions
972.520.9700
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe

6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088

Directions
972.520.9000

Frequently asked questions